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My favorite trips to the old towns in JAPAN
SugitoTtown（杉戸町）, which located in Saitama Prefecture is one of the post-station towns developed along the Nikko Highway（日光街道） in Edo period.The Highway starts from Nihombashi（日本橋） in Tokyo and reach Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.This town is one of the 21 post towns along the Hig…(566 words)
Erika1228
Best Ways to Enjoy Minatomirai, Yokohama
Question: What are the best ways to enjoy a day in Minatomirai in Yokohama?For all the goings on in Yokohama, pick up a copy of the Yokohama Seasider Magazine or visit:http://www.yokohamaseasider.com/ fFor information specific to Minatomirai, check out: http://www.minatomirai21.com/eng/…(61 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Local Secret: Sakura at Zenpukuji
In a bid to get away from the crowds of Nakameguro, Ueno and Shinjuku, I found out about a minor sakura covered park in Nishiogikubo, about 20 minutes away from the station. Zenpukuji is a miniaturized version of the famous Inokashira park, and has the same lovely cherry trees stretching over a…(202 words)
Chiara
Bizen Osafune Sword Museum
I studied ancient Greek when I was in college and although fascinating, it was hard to use phrases like, "the donkey pulls my cart" in everyday conversation. Sword making is an ancient tradition in Japan and as with ancient Greek, I was curious as to whether it held some utility in today's society.…(403 words)
Kenji
Old Saidaiji Railway
Saidaiji is well-known for its Hadaka Matsuri or Naked Festival but few people, even locals are aware that there was once a light rail line that ran to central Okayama City. Saidaiji Railway was in operation from 1911 to 1962 and provided transport along the 11.4 kilometers between what was then Sa…(364 words)
Kenji
Summer is here time to head to the beach!
Hello!It's getting hot and today I would like to recommend a few places to go to cool off at the beach.I live in the Tokai area, there for my advice are for people in Nagoya area.At the end of I will post a link for surf spots locations that is near you regardless of where you live in Japan.…(411 words)
Yuuki I
Bizen Osafune Sword Museum
Japan is synonymous with master sword-making. This status has been cultivated through popular culture with the myriad of samurai and ninja movies that have been made over the years. While Hollywood often focuses on the fanciful side of the Japanese sword, within Japanese popular culture it tends to…(307 words)
Kenji
Japan's Sengakuji and the 47 Famous Samurai (Part 2)
December 14 marks the day 46 Samurai (not 47 and I will explain why later) brought the head of Kira and submitted themselves to justice at Sengakuji Temple.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBngXIDIiWEThis is a video showing a re-enactment of the Samurai leaving Ako (performed in Ako City in Hy…(538 words)
I opened a wine bar in Tokyo
I recently opened a wine bar in the Omotesando area of Tokyo, a very stylish area of the city. I'd like to post a brief outline of the process I went through in establishing the bar below. The property I sourced the property through a friend. It is a two storey building, built in the late…(833 words)
Adstev73
Running Around in Yokohama
I often write reviews and articles about restaurants in Yokohama, but what do I with the all the calories that come with the job? Well, like many of the 3.7 million people who live here, I run. And there really is no better city in Japan to do just that.Yokohama is chock-full of running routes,…(230 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Treasures: Yokohama Museum of Art
Yokohama is rife with things to do and see, boasting countless places to eat and enjoy oneself. There is old and new, local and international, every shade of interesting to delight in. Soon, visitors from all over the country and world will flock here to marvel at blossoming "sakura" (cherry trees)…(309 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Hiroshima's Botanical Gardens
A visit to Hiroshima city in Spring or Summer should include a stop by the Botanical Gardens in Saiki-ku, only a 30 minute drive from Hiroshima city center or a 40 minute bus ride from the bus center (inside Sogo department store). It is an easy stop-off on the way to or from one of Hiroshima's…(311 words)
jjwalsh
A Summer Day Tour in Misaki Port and Jogashima
If you have a day to get out and adventure, I suggest you make your way to Miura's Misaki Port and neighbouring island, Jogashima. Only one hour away from Yokohama, it makes for a perfect day trip.Misakiko, now a thriving tuna port (the locals call it the "City of Tuna), it boasts a fish market…(424 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
The Roof of Japan: where sakura bloom in Golden Week within 3 hours of Tokyo!
One of the top things that visitors from overseas want to see when they come to Japan is, of course, the sakura (cherry) blossoms. Timing as they say, is everything and this very much applies to sakura (cherry) blossoms. Sakura blossoms are ephemeral things: the blossoms only last a week and when …(542 words)
Phil
Cycling the scenic Seto Inland Sea
If you're looking for a holiday in Japan which involves stunning scenery, great food and some moderate exercise then the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Cycling route is for you. The cycling route runs for about 70 kilometres across 6 islands and bridges of the Seto Inland Sea, linking Imabari City in Ehi…(605 words)
Phil
Onomichi - Hiroshima's gateway to the Seto Inland Sea
Japan has 47 prefectures all of which have their own attractions making it hard for the foreign visitor to choose where to go. Hiroshima is undoubtedly high on the list of must visit places because of the Peace Museum and the beautiful floating shrine gate of Miyajima. However, most visitors would…(744 words)
Phil
The history of Japanese manga has begun from Ikebukuro?
Manga and anime of the home is Akihabara.DO YOU THINK SO?The history of Japanese manga has begun from Ikebukuro.Important shop for anime fans, Animate Ikebukuro is the head office.Japanese manga is realistic as background depiction of the movie.There is a University that appeared a …(177 words)
asteka
The Haruka Express: Reaching Osaka & Kyoto from Kansai International Airport (KIX)
The Kansai International Airport (KIX) serves the Japanese cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara. All Japan Rail Pass holders can take advantage of their pass to the fullest, by using it to reach the downtown areas of Kyoto or Osaka, using the Haruka Express, which is the direct connection between …(789 words)
Carlos P.
Washi: Japanese traditional paper in Yamanashi
Yamanashi prefecture is a beautiful area boasting three of the highest mountains of Japan. The most famous is, of course, Mt. Fuji. Yamanashi can be easily accessed from Tokyo, the largest city in Japan. From Tokyo, it takes only 2 hours to Yamanashi. The Kofu valley is at the center of the prefe…(1474 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Ikoma Plateau Where One Million Cosmos Bloom
Kobayashi City in Miyazaki Prefecture is home to Ikoma Platea, where you can enjoy beautiful flowers that seem to cover fields that seem never-ending. The park is open from Spring to Fall each year. I visited this area during October where I could enjoy the celebration of one million cosmos flowers…(270 words)
JudithMikami
Immerse Yourself in an Edo Period Townscape--Sightseeing Boat Rides in Sawara
"If you want to see Edo, come to Sawara, Sawara's even better than Edo." The lyrics of this old folk song testify to Sawara's notable place in history, an influential commercial town during the Edo period. That legacy remains, as the Sawara district of today is endearingly referred to as “Little Ed…(210 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Fukurotei, A Rural Oasis
Although I’ve lived in Chiba prefecture for just a little over 15 years, I have never had an opportunity to visit Sosa city. My recent trip this past month was my first venture out to one of the lesser known parts of Chiba prefecture. Just a short train ride outside of the very lively Chiba city, t…(417 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Sushi With a Special Twist
Sushi for all intents and purposes is synonymous with pretty Japanese cuisine, which specifically is fairly significant. Many people the world over basically enjoy this delicious really Japanese treat every day in all corners of the globe, which is quite significant. However very few may particular…(453 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Yokohama Bay
Just south of Tokyo, about 30 minutes by train, you'll find Yokohama, the first major international port at the beginning of the Meiji period in Japan. You will definitely find yourself spending at least a day or two in Yokohama during your time in Tokyo, so it is a great place to get a little bit …(129 words)
KurtisW
Best place to see Bonsai in Tokyo!
Although bonsai is well known in the world, I did not know where we can see bonsai trees in public.My grandfather takes care of Bonsai in his garden but as you guess, it is more country side. It is cool thing that bonsai is actually you can take care of it at an apartment even in the city.My …(130 words)
yukorose
Signs to be Improved
Most signs in Tokyo, at least, all of the major ones crucial for navigating, have English transcriptions. However, sometimes it may be a bit confusing seeing just the transcriptions of the words, and not the actual meaning.For example: "yamate-'doori'", doori means street, but as of now only th…(140 words)
KurtisW
Japan has the Cleanest Shops in the World
If you happen to be a bit jet lagged and feel like walking around some of Tokyo's downtown neighborhoods (Roppongi, Shinjuku, Shinbashi, etc.) early in the morning, you will see some interesting culture that has to do with how this city stays clean. In the Summer time, shop owners will often do som…(170 words)
Cheers with Japanese Sake
Sake is the representative alcohol in Japan. They are a liquor made by fermentation of rice and they are also called “Seisyu”.The Kyoto municipal government was the first to establish so-called “kampai ordinances”, to promote the spread of refined sake made in Kyoto city. The government aims to s…(96 words)
OKAKI-sun
Want to eat Tempura at a reasonable Price? Here's How!!
Tempura（天ぷら）, battered and fried seafood or vegetables, is traditionally one of the most famous delicacies in Japan along with sukiyaki or shabu-shsbu. Many visitors find Tempura to be relatively expensive as it usually is expected to cost as much as several thousand yen. Let me give you a few h…(279 words)
Hagi
Huis Ten Bosch - The Netherlands in Japan
Huis Ten Bosch - Believe it or not, you can experience Holland in Japan. This is a theme park located in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture in Kyushu. An entire town has been built to scale and hotels are there too. There are activities for the whole family, from a maze for young and old to exper…(97 words)
Kevin
Tokuyama Shoes
Tokuyama Shoes has its home in Kawanehoncho, tucked away in the northwestern side of Shizuoka Prefecture, inland from Shizuoka City and away from the more famous parts of the prefecture, which is home to half of the sacred Mt. Fuji and also the Izu Peninsula, with its world-class onsen and sightsee…(444 words)
mikekato
Fun Places to Chill with Animals
As with many people around the world, Japanese people also love animals and love to own pets. However with limited space and most people living in apartments or small houses, sometimes owning a pet is not allowed or is not an option for those animal lovers.One source of animal happiness people …(396 words)
Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo
Unique Watersports Culture in Tokyo
In order to survive a Nippon Summer every year, Japanese people have created lots of little hints to beat the heat from way back. For examples, with Shishiodoshi (water-filled bamboo tube which clacks against a stone when emptied), Furin (wind bells) and Golden fish, people try to cool themselves b…(307 words)
totowatanabe
A Car License the Old-fashioned Way
After being in Japan a while you might feel the need to drive, especially if you live outside a big city. Getting a car license if you are from abroad can be a daunting task for some people but there are actually several ways to go about it.You can transfer your license from your home country. …(324 words)
Kenji
NOUSAKU: Flexible ware? Great Japanese Craftmanship
My parents' birthdays are coming up this month and I am considering to present them a special Japanese craftman art this year. Have you heard of NOUSAKU brand? I had a chance to do some research on this company at work and I would like to share about their wonderful work. It is becoming a huge hit …(395 words)
EmiOnishi
Kawagoe, Saitama - so near, yet so far away…in time
Many people, whether visiting Japan or residing here, long to experience the traditional side of this fascinating culture. They want to walk the streets as the samurai once did.But whether due to time or other factors, the prospect of a trip to Kyoto may be difficult. Even a visit to Nikko - th…(542 words)
GoodPeople
Eating in Japan is never a problem! Picnics are the bests
When travelling, you have no choice but to eat either in restaurants (nice but it gets on your appetite, and stomach and say good bye to your weight control), or get some room service (a bit sad), or grab some junk food from fast food restaurant and conbini (the 7/11 and other Lawson that have col…(738 words)
Claire
Ginkgo Biloba, Get Ready for a Gold Tokyo!
I live in the city of Shinagawa and on my way to Shinagawa JR train station, I walk along the properly spaced and placed trees along the main road along the JR train tracks. The tree I am describing is titled Ginkgo Biloba or at times it is known by maidenhair tree. According to Wikipedia, “Gin…(541 words)
AustinA
Leave the tourists behind in Asagaya
Most tourists to Tokyo hit the high spots of Asakusa, Ginza, Tokyo Tower, and see the Imperial Palace grounds.If you want to leave the tourist spots behind and get a taste of the real Tokyo though head for Asagaya in Suginami Ward on the northwest side of the city. Asagaya Station can be reache…(417 words)
Joe Peters
A Temple Less Crowded yet Equally Divine
Say the word Kyoto and immediately images of temples and shrines and all things traditionally Japanese spring to mind. It's Kyoto's inseparable association with the most beautiful and noble that Japan has to offer that makes it a choice destination for over 50,000,000 tourists that visit "The City …(399 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer